When golfers speak of “majors,” one tournament stands apart as the original. The Open Championship—often called the British Open outside the UK—is not just golf’s oldest major; it is the blueprint for every major championship that followed. First played in 1860, it predates the U.S. Open by 35 years and the Masters by 75 years, making it the true ancestor of modern professional golf.
For luxury golf travelers planning their next bucket-list experience, understanding The Open’s rich heritage transforms a simple trip into a pilgrimage to the hallowed grounds where legends were made.
A Legacy Forged in Links
The Open Championship was born at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland, where eight professionals competed for the Challenge Belt in October 1860. Willie Park Sr. won that inaugural event, but the tournament quickly outgrew its modest beginnings. By 1872, the famous Claret Jug (officially the Golf Champion Trophy) replaced the belt, and the winner earned the timeless title: “The Champion Golfer of the Year.”
What sets The Open apart is its venue rotation among historic links courses—coastal layouts shaped by wind, weather, and centuries of play. Unlike the manicured parkland courses common elsewhere, links golf demands creativity, low-running shots, and respect for nature’s whims. The current rotation includes:
- St Andrews (Old Course) – The Home of Golf, hosting The Open 30 times
- Royal Troon – Famous for the punishing “Postage Stamp” 8th hole
- Carnoustie – Nicknamed “Car-nasty” for its brutal difficulty
- Royal Birkdale – England’s premier Open venue
- Muirfield – Where precision trumps power
- Royal Lytham & St Annes – Known for its daunting bunkering
- Royal Portrush – Northern Ireland’s gem, returned to the rotation in 2019
- Turnberry – Spectacular coastal views and Ailsa Course drama
The 1939 Open: Golf’s Last Stand Before War
Among The Open’s 150+ editions, none carries quite the poignancy of the 1939 Championship. Held from July 5–7 at the Old Course, St Andrews, it would prove to be the last Open played before World War II halted the tournament for six long years (1940–1945).
Dick Burton’s Fairytale Victory
The hero of that week was Dick Burton, a club professional from Delamere Forest Golf Club in Cheshire, England. Burton was no household name—just a steady, resolute pro who had never won a major. But on golf’s grandest stage, with bagpipes echoing across the Swilcan Bridge, Burton produced the performance of a lifetime.
Shooting rounds that totaled 290 (−2), Burton edged American challenger Johnny Bulla by two strokes. Bulla, visiting Britain for the first time, had seemed destined for victory after sinking a brilliant putt on the 72nd hole to post 292. But word quickly spread that Burton, out in 35, needed just 37 coming home to win. He delivered with a final-round 71, sealing his triumph with a birdie 3 on the 18th hole.
Burton’s £100 winner’s share (from a £500 total purse) was modest by today’s standards, but his place in history was secure. He became the first British golfer to win The Open at St Andrews since 1910, breaking a 29-year drought for home talent at the Home of Golf.
A Poignant Farewell
The 1939 Open’s significance extends beyond Burton’s victory. It marked the end of an era. Among the field were legends like Henry Cotton (the 1934 and 1937 champion), who intrigued galleries with his unconventional hats, and South African Sid Brews, who finished third. Nineteen-year-old Irish amateur James Bruen spoiled his own chances with a triple-digit collapse but hinted at the talent that would define post-war golf.
When the Claret Jug was presented that evening, few knew it would be six years before the championship resumed. The 1946 Open returned to St Andrews, won by American Sam Snead, but the golfing world had changed irrevocably. Burton’s 1939 triumph remains a symbol of golf’s resilience—a final celebration before darkness fell across Europe.
Why The Open Matters for Golf Travelers
For discerning golfers, The Open represents more than a tournament; it’s a living museum of the game’s evolution. Walking the 18th fairway at St Andrews, where Burton sealed his victory, you tread the same turf as Old Tom Morris, Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods. The Swilcan Bridge has witnessed more golfing history than any other structure in the sport.
Planning a golf trip around The Open’s host courses offers unparalleled access to:
- Authentic links golf – Experience the raw, natural challenge that defined the game’s first century
- Historic clubhouses – Many date back to the 1800s, filled with memorabilia and tradition
- Coastal scenery – Dramatic seascapes that no inland course can replicate
- Golf culture – Pubs, museums, and communities where golf is religion
The Open Today and Tomorrow
The 2025 Open at Royal Portrush saw Scottie Scheffler claim the Claret Jug with a masterful 17-under performance, continuing the championship’s tradition of unpredictability and drama. Looking ahead, Royal Birkdale hosts the 154th Open in July 2026, marking its 12th time in the spotlight.
For golf travelers, there’s no better time to experience these legendary courses. Whether you’re walking the 18th at St Andrews, teeing off at Royal Troon, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of a links clubhouse, The Open’s legacy enriches every swing.
Plan Your Pilgrimage
At Asia Golf Breaks, we specialize in crafting luxury golf itineraries that include The Open’s legendary venues. From St Andrews to Royal Birkdale, let us design your journey through golf’s most hallowed grounds. Because some experiences aren’t just about playing golf—they’re about touching history.
